Charles Tannock, author. − Mr President, we must congratulate the Bahraini people on their Arab Spring struggle for democratic change. We deeply regret the loss of life to date and the fact that criminal sentences handed down to anti-government protesters have been too severe.

The Bahraini courts have decided to drop several of the lower charges against them, but the more serious accusations still remain. Certain civilians are inappropriately being put on trial in special military courts. So Bahrain does not appear consistently to be upholding civil liberties – specifically the right to appeal and equal access to justice – in a way that meets international standards.

We now look forward to the findings of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry set up by His Majesty King Hamad and hope that it will be a means to prevent any more potential abuses from occurring in the future. The EU must urge the Government of Bahrain not only to show restraint when attempting to control protests but also to engage in an open and constructive dialogue with all of its people – in particular the disenfranchised majority Shia population – and to involve all democratic political parties, including the opposition parties, and recognise the right of the Bahraini people to exercise freedom of expression, association and assembly.

Paul Murphy, author. − Mr President, first of all I want to salute the determination and courage of the protestors in Bahrain, who have stood up against absolutely brutal repression in fighting for democratic rights and change in Bahrain.

The hollowness of the supposed commitment of US imperialism to democracy is demonstrated by their continued support for the regime in Bahrain. At the start of this month they sold another 53 million dollars’ worth of weapons to the regime; these weapons will be used, like the weapons before them and like the weapons provided by Britain, to mow down peaceful protestors. The military trial and torture of medical personnel was an indication of the brutality in which the regime engaged. Because of pressure brought upon them, those sentences given by the military courts have now been revoked – they will be given civil trials.

However, we have to say that there is no reason why these medics should be up before any court at all. They are guilty of nothing but treating the injured and should be released immediately. I have no confidence whatsoever in the so-called Independent Commission of Inquiry. This Commission cannot be trusted; what is needed is a genuine people’s tribunal which could actually investigate and expose the gross abuses of human rights by the regime.

There can be no reconciliation or meaningful dialogue with this regime. In my opinion it needs to be overthrown by the Bahraini workers, the Bahraini youth and the Bahraini poor.

Marietje Schaake, author. − Mr President, before a doctor begins to practise, he or she swears to help those in need of medical help, indiscriminately. That is a universally-applied principle.

Bahraini doctors, many of whom were educated here in the EU, did just that. Amidst a violent government-led crackdown on peaceful protesters these doctors risked their lives to assist fellow citizens in need. They have now been convicted by military courts and received draconian sentences of up to 15 years for fulfilling their obligations. The allegations seem fabricated and politically-motivated.

We observe worrying trends. One is that of targeted attacks against doctors and paramedics but, more broadly, military trials for civilians. The abuse of emergency laws is of great concern. That must end. We condemn these highly cynical abuses of power and demand the unconditional release of the Bahraini doctors and all other political prisoners, including bloggers.

It is not only the Bahraini Government that needs to be addressed here; EU companies have played an unpleasant role in the crackdown. Some have been laying off workers at the demand of the government and others have provided surveillance technology. These practices, as well as any and all weapon exports, must stop and human rights must be respected.

President. − Colleagues, I have information for Mr Ferreira regarding the joint motions for resolutions. The translations of the joint motions, including Portuguese, were already available last night. We do not translate the individual motions any more and that has been the practice for years in this House.

Anneli Jäätteenmäki, on behalf of the ALDE Group. – Mr President, the Bahraini popular movement started its peaceful demonstrations last February. People’s calls for human rights and democratic reform were, however, violently put down by the Bahraini security forces. In the course of these events it became clear that the Bahraini security officers were preventing the medical professionals, doctors and nurses from saving the lives of injured demonstrators.

The ALDE Group calls on the Bahraini authorities to stop all the violations and investigate all human rights violations and to allow the High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit the country. We welcome King Hamad’s decision to set up an Independent Commission to investigation the crackdown and violations.

Jacek Olgierd Kurski (ECR). - Mr President, I am deeply concerned by the situation in Bahrain. Reports of injuries among citizens exercising their right to peaceful protest and among medical professionals attending to the wounded are to be condemned in the strongest terms. Nevertheless, we must be wary of Iranian attempts to gain influence over the protest movement and within Bahrain in general. Iranian control over Bahrain would put Tehran within reach of the Arabian Peninsula and the very large reserves of oil to be found there. In a period when we are still recovering from severe recession, there is significant global interest in making sure the world’s largest proven oil reserves do not fall into Iranian or pro-Iranian hands.

Neelie Kroes, Vice-President of the Commission. − Mr President, at the outset I should like to acknowledge the important role this Parliament has played in making sure that the situation in Bahrain remains high on the EU’s public agenda.

As Lady Ashton said in this Chamber two weeks ago, we welcome some recent positive steps, namely the decision to annul the charges and sentences against the medical staff and order a retrial in civilian courts.

However, it is vital that justice is administered fairly and transparently. We remain convinced that a proper investigation in which the right of defence is exercised correctly should lead to these charges being dropped.

We also recall that the medics are just one of the many groups of civilians who have been subject to harassment, unjustified arrest and harsh sentences, including the death sentence. Retrials should be extended to all civilians tried in the National Safety Court.

We are looking forward to the results of the Independent Commission of Inquiry, the announcement of which was publicly welcomed by the EU. We hope that, after it reports in November, action will be taken to follow up on its findings. We are also looking forward to the promised visit by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The Commission of Inquiry should offer a platform for reconciliation. The rifts in Bahraini society can only be addressed through a deep and inclusive national dialogue where all parties can be heard. Clearly, all human rights violations must stop.

Our fear is that the more time passes without positive action, the more difficult it will be to establish meaningful national dialogue. The EU has repeated this essential message – one of encouragement, not mere condemnation – in many public statements and direct contacts between the High Representative/Vice-President and the most senior Bahraini representatives.

Our exchanges with the authorities and with all the parties involved will continue. We all share an interest in Bahrain’s reforms, unity and prosperity. We will also continue to listen to the concerns of peaceful Bahraini civil society and to strongly encourage and support them to continue with the national dialogue and agree on reforms which will benefit all Bahraini citizens.